Human Resources and Employee Relations Specialist

At Heartland Veterinary Partners, our mission is centered around elevating the lives of veterinarians and their teams. By partnering with Heartland, practice owners unlock a world of operational advantages and economies of scale, all while retaining their clinical autonomy. At Heartland, we go beyond the ordinary to foster an environment that nurtures growth, invests in our employees, and creates pathways for professional development.

The Heartland promise doesn't stop at operational brilliance; it extends to encompass non-clinical facets like recruiting & human resources, marketing, procurement, payables management, accounting & finance, and information technology. In essence, we've got every corner covered, so our partners can focus on what truly matters - providing optimal care for their patients. As a dedicated member of our Support Center, you'll have the opportunity to be a part of what makes that happen. Your role will be pivotal in helping our partners deliver unparalleled patient care.

The Heartland philosophy rests firmly on the pillars of Servant Leadership. This ethos defines our Support Center team, where every member embraces the ethos of selfless service and approaches every challenge with an unwavering commitment to support. If this resonates with your personal and professional values, then we'd like to get to know you better!

Position Purpose

The HR/ER Specialist reports to the Director of HR Operations and assists with supporting Heartland team members with HR inquiries and supports HR centers of excellence with coordination activities. This includes answering questions that come into the HR Service Center (AskHR), clinical recruiting and learning and development coordination activities, new employee onboarding, employee recognition and engagement activities. Additionally, this role will support complaint investigation, policy interpretation, and coaching support for field managers. This is a hybrid work schedule role with our offices located in Chicago, IL. 

At Heartland, all of our team members embody the spirit of Servant Leadership.

• Authentic Listening - Continually listening with an open mind and heart to what is said and unsaid.
• Building Community –Bringing team members together and mobilizing them around our collective purpose and commitment to our communities.
• Commitment to the Growth of the People – Dedicated to the personal and professional growth and development of our team members.
• Conceptualization -Forward thinking and approaching work and challenges with an end-to-end view.
• Empathy – Demonstrating empathy and understanding with others, approaching everything assuming positive intentions.
• Foresight – Taking the past, the present, and the future decision-making process.
• Healing – Focusing on the emotional and physical health of our team members.  Offering support and solutions to ensure our team members have balance.
• Persuasion – Building group consensus and buy-in.
• Self-Awareness – Conscious knowledge of personal character, emotions, intentions, and leadership impact.
• Stewardship - Concern for our team members, customers, communities, and the organization as a whole and making good use of all that is available to provide appropriate support.

• Partner with HR Operations team to respond to all AskHR inquiries regarding benefits, certifications, employee relations, new hire process, etc. in a timely, accurate, and professional manner.
• Ensure proactive responses to inquiries – thinking ahead to what the next question may be.
• Log all incoming inquiries to ensure accurate AskHR data tracking and insights.
• Act as backup support to process existing DVM renewal and new DVM PILT / AVMA memberships, ensure all COBRA information is accurately processed, and monitor background check / new hire processes.
• Conduct warm transfer of inquiries requiring payroll support.
• Support clinical recruiting team with various coordination needs; process DVM addendums based on recruiter direction.
• Update and maintain RDO "who to call" sheets, flyers, worker’s compensation, AVMA one-pagers for partnership meetings.
• Provide training for new Practice Managers on background check, new hire paperwork processes, and other important processes.
• Partner with Support Center Leadership to conduct support center orientation and onboarding experience.
• Review coaching documents; reviews requests for suspensions and terminations to ensure compliance with company policies and procedures through partnership with Director of HR Operations.

• Bachelor’s degree or similar experience preferred.
• Experience generating data and insights.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience supporting Employee Relations actions.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent Microsoft Office skills including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

• Physical wellness: Health, dental, vision, voluntary life and disability programs, and discounted access to gym memberships
• Mental wellness: Paid time off, flexible work schedules, and EAP
• Financial wellness: Bonus incentives, retirement accounts, retail discounts, and access to financial planning tools
• Professional wellness: Learning and career development solutions